Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting
Committee asked DPW to postpone mowing the unmown portion of Battis Farm Field A to protect nesting Bobolinks and Killdeer; authorized preparing an RDA for invasive-plant removal at the Lake Gardner beach area; and identified Batchelder Park as a preferred site for an accessible "All Persons" trail while considering a CPA application for planning costs.
The committee spent the evening on conservation and trail-management topics. Members raised concerns about mowing at Battis Farm during grassland-bird nesting season (Bobolinks, Killdeer) and agreed to request DPW leave the remaining unmowed portion of Field A until nesting concludes; staff will also press the Conservation Commission to formally adopt a mowing plan. Chair and staff reported completion of invasive-plant demonstration work at Woodsom Farm, and the group is preparing an RDA to address invasive removal from the Lake Gardner beach area to nearby trail junctions; Armington noted herbicide application on city property requires a licensed applicator under 333 CMR 10. The Draft Invasive Plant Management Plan has been sent to the Conservation Commission for review on July 6, 2026, and committee comments will be collected and forwarded.
Members reviewed a draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan (AI-assisted synthesis of DCR and Mass Audubon guidance) intended to create consistent volunteer stewardship rules, liability/waiver guidance, and user standards (including mountain bikers, equestrians, and e-bike concerns). The Draft Plan will be reviewed at the next OSNRTC meeting (July 22, 2026). Discussion touched on bench standardization for Woodsom Farm, the potential for an ordinance to address high-speed, non-pedal-assist e-bikes, and continued coordination on the Rocky Hill/Clark Road development (applicant revisions moved stormwater basins out of the 25-foot wetland buffer and a new trail-connectivity plan is being developed). For the All Persons Trail initiative, Batchelder Park was identified as a strong candidate but would need dedicated parking to be fully accessible; the committee is considering a CPA application for planning/specification funding. No public comment was received.